GlenFeliz Elementary’s Day In The Life of Seeds

Last Monday (03/07) was a rainy day cancelation, so we rainchecked our third lesson on how plants scatter their seeds to this week. The rain brought the pea plants some much needed cooler temperatures, and they bounced back to share an abundance of delicious snow and sugar snap peas! These served as wonderful examples of edible seed pods and what some seeds can possibly look like. The students began by harvesting as many peas as they could find, then took two back to their tables. Every student got to eat one pea pod while splitting the other open to examine the contents as we discussed the various shapes, colors, and sizes of plant seeds. Some noted edible seeds that we have all tried are pumpkin, sunflowers, beans and peas.

After some scientific observation, we started a new activity designed to help demonstrate how seeds get around in nature. I began by asking students how they think plants transport seeds – and students were quick to give detailed hypothesis, including a few of the ones we were to go over. I explained five various methods: 1. wind 2. water 3. gravity 4. animals 5. mechanical. The students and I then acted out the method after each explanation to ensure the lesson sticks. It’s not every day that you get to whirl around pretending to be a dandelion seed flying on the wind!

Our example peas for scientific observation

Just some dandelion seeds floating in the wind.

Time to harvest some peas!

Shylana Roman

Shylana (Shy-lane-uh) would say that the two greatest loves in her life so far have been gardening, and a deep emotional bond with sandwiches.
Her hometown is Chelsea, MA (right by Boston), and she has lived in Los Angeles for seven years now. It took her a while before she could really notice and appreciate the beautiful and diverse nature that exists in a city in a desert. The bright poppy colors make even the rainy days colorful with the clear skies and strong contrast of the blooming succulents. The scents of the jasmine and citrus trees are especially enticing in Highland Park, where she currently lives.

There is nothing more rewarding than when a student asks her if they can spend their recess in the garden. That’s how she knows she is doing her job right!